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Emperor Attalos

Surrounded by amazing scenery of sharp contrasts, Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort, is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old quarter of Kaleiçi, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls.

Antalya has been continuously inhabited since its founding in 159 BC by Attalos II, a king of Pergamum, who named the city Attaleia after himself. The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks successively occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule. The elegant, fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque in the center of the cüy, built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, has become Antalya's symbol.

The Karatay Medrese (theological college) in the Kaleiçi district, from the same period, exemplifies the besf of Seljuk stone carving. The two most important Ottoman mosques in the city are the 16th century Murat Paşa Mosque, remarkable for its tile decoration, and the 18th century Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque.

The old clock tower, the Yivli minaret are symbols of Antalya

Neighbouring the marina, the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring. The Hidirhk Kulesi (tower) was probably constructed as a lighthouse in the second century. The Kesik Minareli Mosque, which was previously a church, attests to the city's long history in its succession of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman renovations.

Gate of Emperor Hadrian in Antalya

When Emperor Hadrian visited Phaselis in Antalya in 130 AD a beautifully decorated three arched gate with Corinthian columns was built into the ciry walls in his honour. It was the only entrance through the city walls. The two towers flanking the gate as well as other sections of the walls are still standing near the marina. The clock tower in Kalekapisi Square was also part of the old city's fortifications.

In the Atatürk and Karaalioglu Parks, the colourful exotic flowers and the shimmering water in the bay with the mountains behind, demonstrate why Antalya has become such a popular resort. A. Aqua Park, on the eastern coast, every kind of water sport is availabfe, including exciting water slides.

The award-winning Antalya Kaleici Marina and Leisure Center is considered one of -the loveliest marinas in Turkey with its many souvenir shops, friendly cafes and restaurants as well as yacht moorings and services.

Sail in the morning and enjoy the restful peace of the marina in the afternoon. The old city walls, lit up at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity and timelessness.

The old harbour of Antalya

The Archaeological Museum, with artefacts from the Palaeolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse of the area's rich history. Two-coloured ceramics dated at 5400-8500 BC are worth seeing, The Atatürk Museum displays objects used by the founder of the Turkish Republic (Both open weekdays except Monday).

The modern Migros shopping center

The Antalya Altın Portakal (Golden Orange) Film and Art Festival, held in the autumn, attracts many participants and visitors.

The ancient theater in Aspendos makes an impressive setting for Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. Antalya also hosts annual jewellery fairs.

The Sabanci Glass Pyramid Convention and Exhibition Center was opened in 1996 in the Konyaalti quarter.